Apple TV+, launched in November 2019, has quickly become known for producing critically acclaimed and popular films. While not every movie has been a success, many Apple Original Films have been exceptionally well-received, establishing the streaming service as a major player in the industry. These films have consistently won awards and often perform well in theaters.
Apple TV+ has consistently broken new ground in filmmaking, delivering everything from heartwarming coming-of-age stories and fantastical animated adventures to intense crime dramas and classic Shakespearean adaptations. Films like Hala, Greyhound, Palmer, The Lost Bus, and Cha Cha Real Smooth have established Apple TV+ as a source of high-quality, critically acclaimed movies, becoming a major player in modern cinema.
The Tragedy of Macbeth Is One of Apple’s Most Stylistic Movies
Joel Coen’s film, The Tragedy of Macbeth, is based on Shakespeare’s play and marks the first time one of the Coen brothers has directed a movie solo. The film stands out among Apple TV+’s offerings thanks to its skillful, simple direction, stunning black-and-white visuals, and excellent acting, particularly from Denzel Washington and Frances McDormand. It was initially shown in theaters in December 2021 before becoming available on Apple TV+ in January 2022.
Joel Coen’s The Tragedy of Macbeth is a visually stunning and unsettling film. Shot in black and white with a unique, minimalist style, it creates a claustrophobic and dreamlike mood. This stripped-down approach highlights the power of Shakespeare’s language and the exceptional performances from Denzel Washington, Frances McDormand, and the rest of the cast. A bold experiment for Apple TV, the film exemplifies high-quality filmmaking and sets a new standard for creative content on the platform.
Highest 2 Lowest Is the Fifth Collaboration Between Spike Lee & Denzel Washington
While Denzel Washington is known for The Tragedy of Macbeth on Apple TV+, he also teamed up once again with director Spike Lee for Highest 2 Lowest. Released in late 2025, this film is based on the 1963 movie High and Low, which itself was adapted from Ed McBain’s 1959 novel King’s Ransom. Lee and Washington bring their signature energy to this classic story, offering a stylish portrayal of New York City.
Some feel Spike Lee’s remake lost some of the emotional intensity of Kurosawa’s original film, but Denzel Washington gives a standout performance as record executive David King in Highest 2 Lowest. Lee’s distinct filmmaking style is a perfect match for the story, and it’s difficult to picture another director handling this adaptation with such skill and originality. Produced by Apple and A24, Highest 2 Lowest is definitely worth watching.
Wolfwalkers Proves That Apple’s Filmmaking Capabilities Are Limitless
Written by Will Collins, Wolfwalkers is the final film in director Tomm Moore’s Irish Folklore Trilogy, which also includes The Secret of Kells and Song of the Sea. The film has been praised by critics for its beautiful 2D, hand-drawn animation inspired by Celtic art. Wolfwalkers tells the story of Robyn Goodfellowe (voiced by Honor Kneafsey), a young hunter’s apprentice who journeys to Ireland and forms an unlikely friendship with a member of a secretive forest-dwelling clan.
With a beautiful blend of traditional woodblock art and fluid, expressive animation, Wolfwalkers contrasts the worlds of bustling city life and harmonious connection with nature. The film’s deeply moving story is enhanced by careful writing, masterful direction, and imaginative world-building, making it a standout film for Apple TV+. Wolfwalkers has received numerous awards and is widely considered a modern animated masterpiece.
The Velvet Underground Premiered to Critical Acclaim
Apple TV is known for its excellent fictional shows, but it’s also become a major player in documentaries, producing some of the most talked-about and insightful films in recent years. A great example is the 2021 documentary The Velvet Underground, directed by Todd Haynes. This film tells the story of the band The Velvet Underground and how they influenced the development of punk and new wave music. What makes The Velvet Underground unique is its experimental filmmaking style, which mirrors the innovative approach of the band itself, setting it apart from other music documentaries.
This documentary about The Velvet Underground uses a wealth of archival footage to tell the story of the band and the music scene of the 1960s and ’70s. It’s a truly immersive film and stands out as a unique documentary. With its blend of high art and street culture, it’s a must-see for Velvet Underground fans and anyone interested in the origins of punk. This Apple Original film is as important to understanding the culture of the time as the band itself.
Tetris Reveals the Fascinating Backstory of One of the World’s Greatest Games
You wouldn’t expect a movie about the creation of Tetris to be so captivating, but John S. Baird’s film on Apple TV+ delivers. It tells the true story of how Henk Rogers tried to secure the rights to distribute and protect the game Tetris from the Soviet Union in the 1980s. This isn’t your typical video game adaptation – it’s a tense Cold War thriller that keeps you guessing and has become one of Apple’s biggest hits.
The movie Tetris, released in March 2023, tells the fascinating true story of the legal fight over the game. It’s a lively and well-acted film that also taps into feelings of nostalgia with its 8-bit visuals and sound. Many viewers have enjoyed it – it currently has an 88% audience score on Rotten Tomatoes – and it’s become one of Apple’s most exciting and unexpectedly enjoyable films.
Causeway Is One of Apple’s Most Touching Original Movies
Released in late 2022, Causeway is a moving drama starring Jennifer Lawrence and Brian Tyree Henry, who both give incredibly heartfelt performances. The film, written by Ottessa Moshfegh, Luke Goebel, and Elizabeth Sanders, and directed by Lila Neugebauer, centers on Lynsey (Lawrence), a soldier returning home to New Orleans and trying to rebuild her life. She finds an unexpected connection with James (Henry), a mechanic who helps her navigate this difficult transition. Both Lawrence and Henry received critical praise for their work in Causeway.
Many critics believe Causeway marks a strong comeback for Jennifer Lawrence, with some calling it her best work in years. The film is praised for its subtle, honest, and realistic depiction of trauma and recovery. In a landscape dominated by big-budget movies, Causeway stands out for its quiet, intimate story about rebuilding a life – it’s a beautifully made and powerfully moving film from Apple.
Killers of the Flower Moon Was Nominated for 10 Academy Awards
Martin Scorsese’s film, Killers of the Flower Moon, tells the story of the Osage Nation after oil was discovered on their land, and a corrupt politician who tried to steal their newfound wealth. Though nearly three and a half hours long, the film is considered a highlight of Scorsese’s career and features powerful performances from its cast. It’s a must-see for any fan of the director.
In 2024, Killers of the Flower Moon received ten Academy Award nominations, including a Best Actress nod. The film also earned numerous other awards and won many of them, making it one of Apple TV’s most impactful and critically acclaimed movies to date. It truly represents a high point for Apple’s move into serious filmmaking.
Come See Me in the Good Light Has 100% On Rotten Tomatoes
The documentary Come See Me in the Good Light made a splash at the Sundance Film Festival in January 2025 and earned widespread praise when it became available on Apple TV. The film beautifully weaves together moments of happiness and beauty with themes of sadness, grief, and loss. It follows poet and activist Andrea Gibson as they openly share their life, including their journey with sexual identity, experiences with political injustice, and courageous fight against terminal ovarian cancer.
Ryan White’s documentary, Come See Me in the Good Light, is a deeply moving and honest film that doesn’t shy away from difficult subjects. It follows poet Andrea Gibson and her wife, Megan Falley, as they face a terminal illness with remarkable vulnerability. The film has been universally praised, earning a 100% rating on Rotten Tomatoes, and is a powerful story that deserves to be seen.
F1 Is Apple & Brad Pitt’s Highest-Grossing Movie
Apple TV+ has created both thoughtful, quieter films like Causeway and The Tragedy of Macbeth, as well as big-budget blockbusters. A prime example is the 2025 film F1, which has become Apple’s most successful movie and the highest-grossing film of Brad Pitt’s career. The critically praised and Academy Award-winning F1 stands out as a unique sports movie, delivering its story through immersive action, enjoyable performances, and a realistic feel.
Starring Brad Pitt as a former racing star named Sonny Hayes, the series F1 follows his comeback to Formula One to help a struggling team, alongside up-and-coming driver Joshua Pearce (Damson Idris). While the story is somewhat predictable, F1 has become a huge success for Apple TV+, resonating with racing fans and standing out for its impressive visuals and award-winning sound.
CODA Took Home the Academy Award for Best Picture
Several films released by Apple TV+ have received Academy Award nominations, including for Best Picture, but only one has won. That film is CODA, which premiered at Sundance in January 2021 and was released in theaters in August of the same year. It stars Emilia Jones as Ruby Rossi, a hearing woman who is part of a deaf family, and tells the story of her pursuit of a singing career while also helping with her family’s fishing business. CODA is praised for its authentic performances and its beautiful portrayal of a community that is rarely seen on screen.
The success of CODA was earned through its authentic portrayal of the deaf community. With a predominantly deaf cast, including Troy Kotsur and Marlee Matlin, the film marked a significant achievement for Apple TV and raised the bar for its original movies. CODA is a deeply emotional and heartwarming film—one of the most inspiring and memorable movies in recent years, and a standout title in Apple TV’s collection, representing a high point for the platform.
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2026-04-15 02:11